Proud to Present: A vibrant brand for new Latin American restaurant, Galapagos

Kate and Andres approached Ditto for THE look that'd launch their business and make a splash in the marketplace! And I'm so pleased that they did. This was our first project for a restaurant, and was so much fun to work on. With such a clear focus on the experience they're setting out to deliver, even at the outset, it made designing the brand a dream. Here's their story...

Galapagos is a brand new specialist Latin American restaurant and b&b in the heart of Kent. Celebrating Andres’ extensive career in preparing dishes from his across the world, the menu will feature traditional Latin dishes while the restaurant and gardens will be beautifully designed to invite guests to enjoy Latin hospitality. Artwork by Andres’ father will be displayed throughout the restaurant for a highly personal touch that lends an energy and vibrancy to the interiors.  Dishes are prepared with exceptional quality ingredients, and are prepared to exacting standards. Guests can expect to enjoy a blend of Latin American ingredients along with fresh locally sourced produce, all prepared carefully and properly for a flavour that they won’t find elsewhere. Visitors will feel as though they’ve stepped into someone’s home as the relaxed sense of ease combines with a faultlessly attentive service. The high energy of the kitchen is contrasted with an unhurried restaurant environment that encourages guests to linger whilst they soak in the original artwork, the uplifting atmosphere, the rich aromas and live music. On warmer days, the carefully cultivated gardens offer the opportunity to breathe in the heady aromas of scented herbs as guests enjoy their meal in the fresh air.

Galapagos' customers are likely to be well travelled; those who love to explore new cultures and immerse themselves in their surroundings. They’re discerning diners who know what good food tastes like. They couldn’t think of anything worse than eating at a chain restaurant; they value originality and are happy to travel to reach a restaurant that offers something different. They appreciate the thought and effort that goes into the finer details which enrich their experience. They’re not interested in anything gimmicky or pretentious; they see right past that and aren’t impressed by it. They’re looking for a more authentic experience that’s delivered with passion, style and originality.

The season personality

The season that best represents Galapagos is Autumn, with a dash of Winter as a supporting subordinate. Autumn personalities are warm, welcoming characters that love people. Family is important to the Autumn personality, and they like to celebrate their heritage. Highly sociable, their energy is irresistible and their relaxed nature makes them a joy to be around. Autumn characters are hugely friendly and prefer intimate gatherings with their closest friends and family to lavish, extravagant affairs. They are incredibly generous and love abundance: minimalism doesn’t feature in their vocabulary. Cosy is a key word for them.

By contrast, Winter personalities are more grounded and decisive than their Autumnal counterparts. They’re strong, self assured, confident and high achievers – whatever they put their mind to, they will execute to a high standard, meaning that they are almost always at the top of their game. Winter personalities have a sense of drama to them and present with style and flair. 

The combination of these two seasons creates a brand which is warm, friendly, vibrant and generous whilst having the strength and confidence that would befit a restaurant of destination status.

The brand

This brand is such a brilliant riot of colour! Warm, vibrant and packed with detail, it feels rich and inviting. We’ve been inspired by Latin American design, but have been careful to lean towards the more dignified and traditional versions of this style; many Latin American restaurants that we encountered during our research had a visual style which felt contrived and over the top – almost more of a street food style than anything you’d associate with a high quality independent restaurant. 

We love the patterns - don't they look awesome on the cuffs of the shirts? Bold and heaped with energy, this brand is full of life. The full website is being built behind the scenes right now, but if you're in the area and fancy checking them out, the team are welcoming bookings! Find their details here.